Adjustable high precision surveying device

ABSTRACT

Methods and devices for use in surveying operations are provided. A device is provided for selectively connecting to surveying equipment, such as a surveying pole, and is adapted for accurately adjusting a reference point in at least two axes. The device is adapted to work in conjunction with additional surveying equipment, such as theodolites and transits as well as one or more central processing units for analyzing, storing, and providing data.

This Non-Provisional Patent Application is a Continuation of and claimsthe benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/178,405, filed Jul. 7, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNos. 61/362,531, filed Jul. 8, 2010 and 61/376,585, filed Aug. 24, 2010,the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference asif fully rewritten herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for usein surveying. More specifically, the present invention relates todevices and methods directed to facilitating the identification,marking, and/or storing of coordinates, wherein the device is arrangedfor use with preexisting equipment.

BACKGROUND

Various devices exist for surveying land areas and structures. Surveyinginstruments are known to assist in critical building and constructionfunctions. For example, building foundations, runways, roads, roadbeds,and retaining walls must be engineered and constructed within a certaindegree of accuracy if they are to perform their desired functions in aproper manner and maintain structural integrity over time. Levelinginstruments, rods, theodolites, transits, laser beam measuring systems,and similar components are often used to achieve the desired degree ofaccuracy and precision for these features and operations.

Known devices and processes, however, waste valuable time by requiringrelocation of a prism pole after measurement(s) have been taken in orderto accurately mark a coordinate location. Using known processes andequipment, devices such as prisms for sighting or determining positionsin combination with laser(s) are disposed on a pole. The prism reflectslight back to a position locator for determining the location of theprism at different locations in a survey. The prism pole may beconstructed with telescoping sections so that it may be collapsed to areduced height (e.g., about four feet) for storage and transport, andthen extended to its operating height which may be, typically, eightfeet or more. Notably, however, the exact point being measured orevaluated resides directly beneath the pole. In other words, the poletypically covers the point one desires to mark.

Known devices and methods generally require at least a two step processin order to locate points. Such devices generally comprise a prismmounted on a pole and require a user to move the tip of the pole invarious directions until the coordinates shown on an associated displayprovide a tolerance reading acceptable for the task at hand. Subsequentmarking of a point is then achieved by a marking device. Prior tomarking, the tip of the pole is relocated so a mark could be placed onthe floor, for example. In applications where the point must be directedupwards, a self-leveling laser is then placed atop the point and thelaser project upwards, further increasing the risk of human error.

Known poles are often provided with a bubble level to aid in theleveling process. Handling and relocation of the pole according to knowndevices and methods involves trial and error. Currently, physicalrelocation of the entire pole system is necessary to move it to thecorrect position, while also keeping the pole in a level position.

It is desirable to maintain prism poles as level as possible, as theprism generally resides at the top of the pole and should be plumb withthe reference point at the bottom. If the prism and point are notaligned, significant variation in measurement occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a novel system, device,and methods for accommodating, supporting, and adjusting devices forlocating points. In various embodiments, a positioning apparatus isprovided for attachment to a preexisting device, such as a prism pole.The apparatus is capable of fluid movement in at least one plane and atleast two axes, thereby assisting in the reduction of time needed foraccessing a desired point.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it beconstrued as being representative of the full extent and scope of thepresent disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in variouslevels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in theattached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and nolimitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended byeither the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. inthis Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the presentdisclosure will become more readily apparent from the DetailedDescription, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

The following references, generally related to the field of surveying,are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties: U.S. PatentApplication Nos.: 2010/0212169 to Fleenor et al. and 2010/0302557 toPetschko et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,110,102 to Ohtomo et al., U.S. Pat. No.7,272,891 to Lyle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,803 to Yahagi et al., U.S.Pat. No. 3,765,764 to Niss, U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,382 to Buckley et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 7,788,815 to Yandrick et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,760 toSpiegel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,895 to O'Donnell, U.S. Pat. No.7,940,211 to Scherzinger, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,646,339 to Green et al.

In various embodiments, a positioning device for surveying equipment isprovided. The positioning device is adapted for use in combination with,for example, commercially available devices such as the SRX TotalStation from Sokkia and Sokkia's SHC2500 data collector. In a preferredembodiment, a positioning device is provided in connection with a pole,the positioning device comprising features for accommodating at leastone of a prism and a self-leveling laser as well as features forselectively adjusting the prism and/or self-leveling laser in at leasttwo axes. A central processing unit, such as a known computer, isprovided. The central processing unit comprises the ability to receiveinformation related to the position of the prism and/or self-levelinglaser and convey information related to the same to a user. Variousknown devices may be provided in combination with the computer, such asBluetooth, radio-frequency, or similar devices and features forcommunicating with a Total Station and/or known point.

The Total Station is a known instrument used to collect or layout datausing angels and distance. It is a combination of an electronic distancemeasuring device, a electronic theodolite (transit), and softwarerunning on an external computer or data collector. A Total Station isgenerally provided with a data or job file. Information contained withinthis file may be used in conjunction with data collector software andcan contain different types of data depending on the project. A suitablelocation to mount or setup the Total Station is determined and the TotalStation attached to a tripod or column clamp and leveled. Once the TotalStation has been appropriately setup, the data collector and softwareare utilized to take distance and angle readings. Measurements can bederived by shooting or sighting a prism or reflector with the TotalStation's electronic distance measuring device. Information is thenconverted by the data collector software to a measurement that can beused and understood and saved in the data or job file.

Devices and features of the present invention may be employed toaccurately determine the position of a point with respect to a knownpoint or control point, calculate the distance between two known points,and/or locate a point at a desired distance away from one or more knownpoints.

In various embodiments, a positioning device comprises various featuresfor manually adjusting the position of a prism and/or self-levelinglaser. Such features may include, but are not limited to, indicia on thedevice for conveying information to a user, dials and gearing foradjusting position, and selectively operable clamps or fasteners forsecuring a prism and/or laser in a desired location.

It is further contemplated that the positioning device is provided withvarious automated adjustment features. For example, a device may beprovided with one or more battery packs and one or more motors foraccurately and automatically adjusting the position of a prism withrespect to a pole and/or laser. Accordingly, where the Total Station andcentral processing unit have determined that a prism is not located in adesired position, the central processing unit may calculate the offsetand send a signal with the desired correction to the automatedadjustment features. Once the central processing unit has determinedthat the prism is in a desired final location, the positioning device isbrought to rest and an indication that a point has been located may beprovided. Such indications may comprise audio or visual indicia alertinga user that a desired point has been located and marking operations maybe conducted. In one embodiment, marking operations are also automated.For example, once a point has been located, the central processing unitmay then direct a self-leveling laser provided in connection with aprism to project a point on a ground or surface.

In various embodiments, therefore, manual manipulation of thepositioning device and prism is therefore reduced or eliminated. Once asurveying pole is placed proximal to a point to be located, minoradjustments in the location of the prism are controlled by the centralprocessing unit based on information received from the Total Station ortheodolite related to the exact position of the prism.

In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises an adjustablearticulating arm attached to a pole via various attachment means andfurther attached to an additional apparatus, such as a self-levelinglaser, marking device, and/or a prism. Such a device provides a stable,reliable, and traceable mechanism for locating a prism at a distanceaway from, but attached to, the prism pole. By positioning the prismaway from the pole, the ultimate position being measured is no longerobstructed and a user can mark the location without having to move thepole. Known devices such as the SRX Total Station in combination with acentral processing unit provide the ability to accurately determine theposition of the prism and convey information related to the same,including whether or not the prism is in a desired location andspecifically which adjustment(s) may be required.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide for variousadvantages and benefits. For example, the positioning device attached toa surveying pole provides for an offset of the prism and self-levelinglaser or other marking from the pole. Known devices and methods providea pole for locating point, wherein the pole must be moved or relocatedin order to mark a desired point, as this point will typically residedirectly underneath the pole. Additionally, known devices also requirethat the pole must be leveled in the vertical direction, typically withthe assistance of a bubble level, in order to ensure minimal offsetbetween the prism and the point on the surface to be marked. Incontrast, the present invention provides a positioning device forpositioning equipment in a manner wherein a point may be indicated (e.g.via a self-leveling laser) without the need for repositioning a pole andreducing or eliminating the need for manual leveling operations once apoint has been located.

Embodiments of the present invention reduce or eliminate the criticalitythat the pole is level (i.e. completely vertical) as the prism and aself-leveling laser are in close proximity to each other, eliminatingerror.

In various embodiments, a positioning device is provided for attachingto a preexisting device, wherein one or more adjustable sliders providefor translation about a generally horizontal plane. An apparatus forsecuring a prism, a self-leveling laser and/or a marking device isfurther provided. In one embodiment, the positioning device comprises aclamp or similar device for secure and selective attachment to a pole ona first end. The device further comprises an additional element foraccommodating and/or securing a prism and/or marking device at a pointgenerally distal from the pole. The device comprises the ability totranslate the additional prism and/or marking device in at least twoaxes (e.g. X and Y translation) to enable the prism and/or markingdevice to be located at a desired point.

In various embodiments, the positioning device is attached to amono/bi/tripod device and placed at whatever height is needed dependanton the conditions of the jobsite. While various embodiments describedherein refer to the positioning device being attached to a prism orsurveying pole, it will be expressly recognized that the presentinvention is not so limited. Indeed, the positioning device of thepresent invention may be secured to and used in conjunction with avariety of objects.

In one embodiment, a positioning device connects to a pole and enables aprism and self-leveling laser to move in various directions with respectto the pole. The positioning device allows a self-leveling laser capableof projecting a laser in various directions to be secured thereto. Theself-leveling laser may project a point in any number of directions,including directly downward to a ground surface and upward to a ceilingor roofing surface. A prism may be secured in connection with the laser.The positioning device allows adjustment of the laser's position alongat least the x and/or y plane as needed. In various embodiments,alternative marking device(s) could be used in addition to or in lieu ofa self-leveling laser.

In various embodiments, a method of surveying is contemplated. In oneembodiment, a Total Station is set up and paired with a data collector.The Total Station may be set up, for example, at a known point fromwhich precise distances may be measured. Once the Total Station is setup, an operator instructs the Total Station to locate a prism and “lockon” to the prism to track its position in real time. The data collectorwill indicate the direction an operator needs to move the prism andassociated features to get close to the point location. At this stage,macro-scale positioning of the pole and associated equipment areconducted by moving the pole and associated equipment. Once the pole andassociated equipment are proximal to the point (e.g. within a functionalrange of the positioning device), the pole is positioned in a stationarymanner. The pole may be provided with a footer or stand to enable it toremain upright or may comprise a tripod, bipod, or similar device. Oncethe position of the pole is established, the central processing unitand/or data collector indicates the necessarily adjustments required tobring the prism to its precise desired location. In one embodiment, anoperator adjusts the positioning apparatus and the central processingunit continually displays information related to the position and/orrequired movement of the prism. Once the prism has reached the properlocation, within an acceptable tolerance, the central processing unitdisplays or provides an indication that no further adjustment isrequired.

In various embodiments, a prism is placed in close proximity with aself-leveling laser, thereby ensuring an accurate projection of a pointfrom the prism (i.e. the exact point of measurement). Such proximity incombination with self-leveling aspects of the laser allow for a point tobe projected or indicated immediately upon positioning the prism in itsdesired location, further reducing work time and the potential for humanerror.

As used herein, the term “vertical” shall be read to mean generallyperpendicular with the plane of the horizon or generally parallel withthe gravitational force of the earth. The term “horizontal” as usedherein shall be read to mean generally parallel with the plane of thehorizon or generally perpendicular to a vertical orientation.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of theinvention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments,objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. Aswill be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possibleusing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forthabove or described in detail below. Further, the summary of theinvention is neither intended nor should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present invention.The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in thesummary of the invention, as well as, in the attached drawings and thedetailed description of the invention and no limitation as to the scopeof the present invention is intended to either the inclusion ornon-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary of theinvention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become morereadily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when takentogether with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following descriptionis merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may beapplied in various ways to provide many different alternativeembodiments. This description is made for illustrating the generalprinciples of the teachings of this disclosure invention and is notmeant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the general description of the disclosure given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of the disclosures.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a positioning device according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a positioning device according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a positioning device andassociated features according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view depicting various features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a positioning device according toan alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrumof endeavors. It is the applicant's intent that this specification andthe claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with thescope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what mightappear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referringto the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in thepertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, apreferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode nowcontemplated for putting the invention into practice is described hereinby, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of thespecification. The exemplary method is described in detail withoutattempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications inwhich the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodimentsdescribed herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to thoseskilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scopeand spirit of the invention, the invention being measured by theappended claims and not by the details of the specification.

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legalscope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forthat the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to beconstrued as exemplary only and does not describe every possibleembodiment since describing every possible embodiment would beimpractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments couldbe implemented, using either current technology or technology developedafter the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within thescope of the claims.

To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of thispatent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with asingle meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to notconfuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term belimited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and afunction without the recital of any structure, it is not intended thatthe scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the applicationof 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a positioning device and related componentsaccording to various embodiments of the present invention are shown. Itshould be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Incertain instances, details that are not necessary for an understandingof the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive mayhave been omitted from these drawings. It should be understood, ofcourse, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated in the drawings.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a positioning device 2 is shown in plan view.As shown, the device 2 comprises members 4, 6 extending in a horizontalplane. Members 4, 6 are attached to, for example, a surveying pole 8disposed in generally vertical orientation. Pole 8, while selectivelymovable by a user, generally resides in a fixed location duringoperation of the positioning device 2. The pole 8 may comprise amonopod, bipod, tripod, quadrapod, or various similar device as will berecognized by one of skill in the art. Wherein a single pole or monopodis used, a footer or stand may be provided at its base or it may bemanually supported.

A member 4 is provided and disposed generally perpendicular to theorientation of the pole 8. The member 4 thus extends in a generallyhorizontal plane when the pole 8 is disposed vertically. A rail 5 isprovided in connection with and generally parallel to the member 5. Abearing unit 14 is attached to and translatable in the y-direction 16along the rail 5. Bearing unit 14 provides support for member 6 andcorresponding and generally parallel rail 7 upon which an additionalbearing unit 10 is provided. Additional bearing unit 10 is translatablein the x-direction 18 and is provided to accommodate, house, hold, orsecure at least one of a prism 12 and a self-leveling laser (FIG. 2, 20)or similar marking device. Members 4, 6 define a region of twodimensional space within which components, such as a prism, may betranslated. Translation may occur by manually moving bearing units 10,14 until an associated prism 12 or similar device is at a desiredlocation. To assist with positioning, indicia such as markings relatedto distance may be provided on one or both members 4, 6 and visible to auser. The positioning device 2 may be secured to the pole 8 by a varietyof means including, but not limited to, a selectively securable devicethat allows the device 2 to be translated along a height of the pole 8,thereby altering the position of the device 2 in the z-axis.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. A pole 8is shown in a vertical position with member 6 attached thereto andextending in the x-direction. A prism 12 and self-leveling laser areprovided in translatable association with member 6. Member 6 andassociated features are translatable in the y-direction based on theirconnection with y-direction member 4 and bearing unit 14. Members 4, 6are secured to the pole 8 via connection means 22. Connection means 22are contemplated to include, but are not limited to, various clamps,braces, fasteners, set screws, and similar devices for selectivelyloosening, tightening, and/or adjusting the position of the device 2.

The prism 12 is provided proximal to a self-leveling laser which iscapable of projecting a beam and indicating a point in a variety ofdirections, including upwardly 24 a and/or downwardly 24 b. One or morepoints projected by the self-leveling laser may then be marked by avariety of known devices and methods. The prism and self-leveling lasermay be provided in any number of physical arrangements. For example, inone embodiment, a prism resides on and in contact with a self-levelinglaser. In alternative embodiments, the prism and self-leveling laser areprovided generally proximal to one another, such as in connection withthe same bracket or similar device, but need not be in direct contact orany particular relative position with respect to one another.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown, a pole 8 is supported by footer 30. The pole 8supports the positioning device 2, Bluetooth unit 26, and centralprocessing unit 28 (“CPU”). One of skill in the art will recognize thatit may be desirable to position components, such as the CPU 28, proximalto the prism 12. However, as such devices may comprise wirelesscommunication features, it will be expressly recognized that suchfeatures need not be directly connected to the pole 8 and may beprovided or disposed in any number of user-desired or convenientlocations. In various alternative embodiments, a CPU may be provided incombination with a Total Station, in addition to or in lieu of a CPUprovided proximal the pole 8.

The positioning device 2 comprises first member 4 and second member 6for supporting and/or translating a prism 12 and self-leveling laser 13in two-dimensional space. The device 2 is adjustable in the vertical orz-direction by means of connection 22. A known theolodite or TotalStation (not shown) is provided and adapted for line-of-sightcommunication with the Bluetooth unit 26, CPU 28 and/or prism 12. Inorder to locate a point, the positioning device 2, pole 8, andassociated equipment are moved manually to the general location of thedesired point (i.e. the pole is positioned such that the desired pointis within a functional range of the device 2). The CPU 28 may indicatewhen this condition has been met and the pole 8 may be set down. A laseris aimed or directed at the prism 12 and allows for the Total Station todetermine the position of the prism 12 and any offset or discrepancybetween the prism 12 and a desired point.

Information related to a desired point and any necessary movement of theprism is conveyed to the CPU 28 via the Total Station and/or Bluetooth26. The CPU 28 processes data related to the position of the prism 12and desired point and provides indicia or instructions to a user relatedto the necessary movement of the prism 12 and device 2. The device 2enables movement of the prism 12 in both the x and y directions untilthe prism 12 is directly above a desired point. Once the prism 12 isproperly positioned, the CPU provides an indication to a user that nofurther adjustments of the device 2 are necessary. A self-leveling laser13 associated with the prism 12 may then selectively project and/orindicate a point 32 via laser 24 b. The laser 13 may project a beambased upon a user input, such as an activation of a switch, or may beprompted by the CPU 28 to project one or more beams.

Any number of subsequent marking procedures and devices may then be usedto mark the point 32. Furthermore, once the appropriate point has beenlocated, information related to the same may be stored in the CPU forfurther operations.

In various embodiments, positioning of the prism 12 and associatedself-leveling laser 13 may be accomplished through various automatedfeatures. For example, the CPU 28 may process required movement(s) ofthe prism 12 and/or laser 13 and provide signals or instructions to, forexample, one or more servo motors adapted to translate the prism 12 andlaser 13 in the x and/or y direction(s) as needed.

One of skill in the art will recognize that the CPU 28 may comprise anynumber of known devices for sending, receiving, storing, and/orprocessing data. Thus, the present invention is not limited to anyparticular device. In one embodiment, the CPU comprises a device such asthe commercially available Mesa Rugged Notepad from Juniper Systems.

FIG. 4 is a schematic depicting surveying equipment operations accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a Total Station ortheolodite 34 is set up at a known point, such as corner of a parcel,specific landmark or feature, etc. The Total Station is then capable ofprojecting a laser 36 to a prism 12 and thereby determines the distancebetween the known point and the prism 12. As shown, the prism 12 ispositioned directly above a self-leveling laser 13 capable of projectinga point 32 upon a surface. The prism 12 and laser 13 combination aredisposed on a positioning device 2 capable of accurate adjustment in atleast the x and y directions. The Total Station 34 is in communicationwith a CPU 28 disposed on or proximal to the pole 8, and is thus capableof transmitting data related to the precise position of the prism 12 tothe CPU 28. Once information related to the physical position of theprism 12 is transferred to the CPU 28, the CPU 28 may process the dataas needed. For example, the CPU 28 may compare the position of the prism12 with a known or desired point to be located, compute a the necessarymovement or offset needed to bring the prism 12 in line with the point,display instruction related to the necessary movement, and/or providesignals to additional components to automatically reposition the prism.

Once the positioning device 2 is appropriately adjusted such that theprism 12 is aligned with a desired point, the CPU 28 indicates that nofurther adjustment of the device 2 and/or prism 12 is required. Theself-leveling laser 13 may then be activated to project a point, such asin an upward or downward direction in order to indicate a point 32. Oncethe point 32 is indicated by the laser, it may then be marked by avariety of known methods and devices.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a positioning device 38 according to analternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown thepositioning device 38 generally comprises an articulating arm forattaching to a pole on a first end 40 and a receiving portion 42 forsecuring a prism, self-leveling laser, and/or marking device. The device38 is capable of motion about a plane in both the x and y directions bymovement of one or more hinges 44, 46, 48 provided along a length of thedevice 38. Tracking of the position of attached components, such as aprism or laser (not shown), is accomplished through line-of-sightcommunication with a Total Station in further communication with a CPUas discussed herein.

Various means for securing the device 38 to a pole or similar device maybe provided. For example, a set screw 50 may be provided to frictionallyengage a pole provided through a first end 40 of the device 38. It willbe expressly recognized that any number of securing means, such asspring clamps, may be provided to secure the device 38 to a desiredobject.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedwith respect to a prism or surveying pole, it is contemplated that apositioning device of the present invention may be used with any numberof objects. For example, where one desires to accurately locate a pointknown to be generally proximal to a preexisting object, such as a fencepost, it is contemplated that a positioning device in accordance withembodiments of the present invention may be selectively secured to thefence post and positioning operations as discussed herein conducted inorder to precisely locate a desired point. After positioning and markingoperations have been conducted, the positioning device is removed fromthe preexisting object and available for use in additional operations.Accordingly, it will be recognized that while various embodimentscontemplate use of known surveying equipment, such as prism poles,devices and methods of the present invention are not so limited.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to beexpressly understood that such modifications and alterations are withinthe scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in thefollowing claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein are capableof other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out invarious ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology used herein is for the purposes of description andshould not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,”“comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as wellas, additional items.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for locating and marking one or morelocations, comprising: a first device in association with a firstlocation; a second device comprising a substantially vertical member; apositioning device attached to said second device and extending fromsaid device in a plane; an object in communication with said positioningdevice, wherein said positioning device is capable of selectivelypositioning said object in a plurality of locations about the plane;said first device capable of determining a relative distance of saidobject; and a central processing unit in communication with at least oneof said first device and said object, said central processing unitproviding information related to the relative location of said object;wherein said positioning device comprises a first member extending in afirst direction and a second member extending in a second direction,said first direction being coplanar with and substantially perpendicularto said second direction, at least one of said first member and saidsecond member translatable in said first direction; said second membercomprising a device for receiving at least one of a prism, a reflectivesurface, and a self-leveling laser, said device translatable withrespect to said second member in said second direction.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said object comprises a surveying prism.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein said first device is a Total Station.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein said object comprises a surveying prism and aself-leveling laser.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said seconddevice comprises at least one of a pole, bipod, and a tripod.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said positioning device is controlled by saidcentral processing unit.
 7. A method for locating and marking alocation, comprising: providing a first device in association with afirst predetermined point; providing a second device comprising avertical member; providing a positioning device attached to said seconddevice and extending from said device in a horizontal plane; determiningthe relative distance of an object disposed on said positioning devicefrom said first device; based on said determining step, selectivelypositioning said object in a desired location within a horizontal plane;and projecting a point on at least one surface and marking the point;and wherein said positioning device comprises a first member extendingin a first direction and a second member extending in a seconddirection, said first direction being coplanar with and perpendicular tosaid second direction, at least one of said first member and said secondmember being translatable in said first direction; and at least one ofsaid first member and said second member comprising a device forsecuring at least one of a prism, a reflective surface, and aself-leveling laser, said device translatable with respect to at leastone of said first member and said second member.
 8. The method of claim7, wherein the relative distance of said object from said first deviceis conveyed to a central processing unit.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein said central processing unit indicates a required movement ofthe device.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein said first device is aTotal Station.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein said second devicecomprises at least one of a pole, bipod, and a tripod.
 12. A system forlocating a position, the system comprising: a first device provided in afirst location; a positioning device provided in at least one plane andprovided for visual communication with the first device; the positioningdevice being selectively positionable in a plurality of locations aboutthe plane; said first device capable of determining a relative distanceof said positioning device; a central processing unit in communicationwith at least one of said first device and said positioning device, saidcentral processing unit providing information related to the relativelocation of said positioning device; wherein said positioning devicecomprises a first member extending in a first direction and a secondmember extending in a second direction, said first direction beingsubstantially perpendicular to said second direction; wherein saidpositioning device comprises at least one of a prism, a reflectivesurface, and a self-leveling laser translatable with respect to at leastone of said first member and said second member.
 13. The system of claim12, wherein the first member comprises a substantially vertical supportmember.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the second member comprisesa substantially rigid member extending laterally away from the firstmember.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the second member comprisesa hinge for providing freedom of movement for said at least one of aprism, a reflective surface, and a self-leveling laser.
 16. The systemof claim 12, wherein the second member is rotatable about the firstmember.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein said first device comprisesa Total Station.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the second membercomprises a tripod.
 19. The system of claim 12, wherein said positioningdevice is controlled by said central processing unit.
 20. The system ofclaim 12, wherein said central processing unit indicates a requiredmovement of the second member.